How To Draw Islamic Art

Islamic architecture can inspire contemporary architecture because it has its own unique charm, and if you dig deep down to the base of this charm, you will find it has a lot to do with geometric Islamic patterns. While precedent architecture styles freely used figurative images, motifs, and sculptures of humans and animals to add aesthetic value to their buildings, Islamic architecture couldn't follow the same path. Figurative images of the kind were avoided, so as not to become an object of worship. That left Muslim craftsmen and artists with three options: calligraphy, floral or Arabesque patterns, and geometric patterns.

Courtesy of imhussain

Islamic craftsmen created tremendous patterns with exquisite details using rulers and compasses. They were influenced by the ancient Greek rules of Mathematics which they have artistically taken to a whole new level. However complicated the pattern may seem, it is always based on a grid and a series of iterated lines and shapes. These patterns have evolved with time and changed with different regions. They were used to decorate pottery, tiles, rugs, wooden partitions, screens, and of course walls and ceilings.

[irp posts='192303′]

Image via patterninislamicart.com

Islamic patterns are still being adopted up to this day in many forms. They are used in furniture, rugs, screens, prints, and other decorative elements to give a middle-eastern touch to different spaces. They are also, sometimes featured in the façades of buildings like mosques, and some city buildings and cultural institutes.

If the geometry of these meticulous patterns fascinates you, then why not learn how to create them. Many artists who specialize in patterns in general and Islamic patterns, in particular, are sharing their knowledge online for free, to those who would like to learn. Here, we have gathered a list of tutorials and video which you can check and apply. You shall find it quite amazing how a composition transforms from the initial simple lines and curves to the marvelous complicated geometries we see.

First, these are open tutorials on Envato Tuts+ by Lebanese calligraphy artist Joumana Medlej.

Geometric Design: Two Variations on an Islamic Tiling Pattern

Courtesy of Joumana Medlej

Geometric Design: Create a Pattern from the Cordoba Synagogue

Courtesy of Joumana Medlej

Geometric Design: Tenfold Star in a Rectangle

Courtesy of Joumana Medlej

These are simple tutorials posted and shared by various Instagram and Pinterest users

Also, here are some Video Tutorials on Youtube which can be helpful for those who would rather see the process in motion.

This video by TED-ED is presented by Eric Bourg, a Dutch educator and artist who is interested in Islamic geometrical design, works on it, and wrote books about it. It simply explains the logic behind these patterns.

The pattern in Islamic Art

The website offers an archive of more than 4000 images of Islamic patterns and other design features from the Islamic culture, known as the WADE archive. It includes drawings, diagrams, scans, and selected photographs.